For the keen gardener, his greenhouse is his pride and joy. For growing tender vegetables e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers as well as tropical plants such as oranges, lemons or orchids and cacti, a glass house is essential.

In addition the growing season can be brought forward or extended by weeks and, whatever the Irish weather, sowing and propagation can start safely in early spring.

Properties of greenhouses:

These days 95% of greenhouses are built of aluminium. It is proven to be the best material, whether for a small or large greenhouse.

Aluminium is weatherproof and everlasting. However it is important to compare the thickness and design of the range of frames available. You will find that 'Hoklartherm', 'KGT' and 'Euro-Serre' aluminium frames are extra strong and with a very stable and durable design. The use of four sided boxed sections of heavy gauge aluminium provides outstanding strength and durability. For peace of mind: manufacturer's 10 year warranty on aluminium frames.

There is a wide range of powder coated colours available enhancing aesthetic value and has the practical advantage of being low maintenance.

Siting the greenhouse:

While bearing in mind that being in the shade is generally to be avoided, and that a north-south alignment will make the most of the morning and evening sun, some care should be taken in choosing a site as a greenhouse is an important addition to your garden and will enhance the whole area if sited carefully. It is advisable setting up a greenhouse at a sheltered spot, however the heavy duty constructed ‘Hoklartherm’,'KGT' and 'Euro-Serre' greenhouses are suitable even for exposed areas and sites.

Freestanding Greenhouses:

There are several things to consider before buying a freestanding greenhouse. Apart from the matter of the weight and stability of its structure, any glasshouse should have at least 5 sq. metres of floor space.

The choice of glazing materials is a very important consideration when purchasing a greenhouse. It depends to a great extent on the intendeduse.

A heated greenhouse or a conservatory with temperatures not below 10°-16°C requires insulated glazing such as 16mm triple wall Polycarbonate, Perspex or double-glazing. A cold greenhouse is preferably glazed with insulated glazing (e.g. 8 or10mm twin wall Polycarbonate sheets) as well or with 4mm single toughened glass.

With ‘Hoklartherm’ greenhouses all types of glazing are firmly and galeproof fixed with glazing cuppings or UV- resistant neoprene rubber seals instead of flimsy plastic or metal glazing clips.

The use of plastic glazing has become more and more common. Almost 70% of the greenhouses made in Europe are glazed with Polycarbonate or Perspex.

Polycarbonate is durable, UV-stabilized and almost unbreakable. The light diffusion is ideal for the growth of plants and prevents scorch. The insulating qualities causes steady temperature in the greenhouse creating a better growing habitat.

The manufacturer provides a 10 year warranty on polycarbonate sheets.

If you don't like 'plastic glazing' don't worry - we offer a good selection of greenhouses glazed with 4mm single toughened glass or even double glazing.

Foundation:

A substantial base is essential for fixing the greenhouse properly to the ground.

A plinth (foundation frame) is cheap, easy to install and allows the greenhouse to be re-sited in the future.

The plinth consists of length of rust-free aluminium. It is available for most* greenhouses to fit exactly each size. (* very large greenhouses require a concrete or block base)

A concrete base or a dwarf wall made of concrete blocks are very common options. The greenhouse will be bolted down with stainless steel screws or bolts.

A dwarf wall of any desired height provides an increase in overall height and volume of the greenhouse. A greenhouse modification with a drop door down to ground level allows easy access.

A slab base may be too soft; a base from railway sleepers can evaporate poisonous impregnation.

Delivery of your greenhouse:

We deliver your ‘Hoklartherm’ greenhouse or conservatory to your home everywhere in Cork and in Ireland and do the installation. You should prepare the base. Of course we provide dimensions and advice.

'KGT' and 'Euro-Serre' greenhouses come flat packed ex 'Peppermint Farm' (delivery and set up service available).

Please note:‘Hoklartherm’, 'KGT' and 'Euro-Serre' greenhouses and conservatories stand for exceptional quality and design, good advice and complete service.

- You get what you pay for! –

If you want any further information, a brochure or a pricelist, don‘t hesitate to contact us.

Visit us in West Cork! At our premises we have set up many display greenhouses and conservatories.